Britain's Prince Harry said Friday he is to train as an Apache attack helicopter pilot, calling it "one of the biggest challenges" of his life.

The 25-year-old, who spent 10 weeks in Afghanistan in 2008, could return to frontline duties after the Army Air Corps decision to assign him to fly cutting-edge Apaches.

"It is a huge honour to have the chance to train on the Apache, which is an awesome helicopter," he said before receiving his provisional wings from his father the Prince of Wales.

He added: "There is still a huge mountain for me to climb if I am to pass the Apache training course. To be honest, I think it will be one of the biggest challenges in my life so far.

"I am very determined, though, as I do not want to let down people who have shown faith in my ability to fly this aircraft on operations. It is a seriously daunting prospect but I can't wait," he said.

As a lieutenant in the Household Cavalry Regiment, Harry served in Afghanistan two years ago until a media blackout broke down and officials decided it was too dangerous for him to remain on the ground.

In June last year Harry voiced hope of returning to battle zones. "I'm really enjoying it and as everyone knows it's my easiest way of getting back to the front line. Maybe safer, maybe not, I don't know," he said at the time.